New Year's celebrations around the city

New Year's Eve offers a variety of opportunities for special celebrations as 2010 arrives. And there are other occasions leading up to New Year's Eve.

Blue moon

To celebrate a new year's blue moon the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum is offering two events: Sunset Moonrise Dec. 31, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; and Moonset Sunrise Jan. 1, from 7 to 8:30 a.m.

It is an exceptionally rare event when a blue moon, a 13th full moon in a calendar year or the second in a calendar month, falls on the night when new beginnings are celebrated and the calendar is turned to another year. Climb to the top of the historic lighthouse to toast this special occasion from the most unique perspective in the city.

"It is without a doubt the best setting," Howard Lawson, who often attends the monthly Sunset Moonrise events, said. "I go to enjoy a vista not available anywhere else. It's an excellent venue to enjoy God's work."

Space is limited and reservations are required. For information, including pricing, go to www.staugustinelighthouse.org, or call 829-0745 ext. 207.

Walking tour

The St. Augustine Art Association will host an Art and Architecture "Deck the Halls" Walking Tour from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 29. The walk will highlight significant buildings from the colonial era through the Gilded Age. Participants will enjoy architectural grandeur and seasonal glamour as art historian and expert guide Elizabeth Gessner brings the aesthetic story of St. Augustine and the season to life. The tour begins at the Art Association, located at 22 Marine St., one block west of the marina in the historic district. Free parking is available on the street after 5 p.m. Space is limited. Reservations are required. Cost for the tour is $10 per person. Call 824-2310 to RSVP.

Beach blast

Kick off 2010 in seaside style at this special family friendly, St. Augustine Beach event. Enjoy a blast of flavor, icy sculptures, Kids Zone and fireworks when several of St. Augustine's favorite restaurants serve up chili for tasting and judging at the Fire and Ice Chili Cook-off from 4 to 8 p.m.

After things cool off from the chili -- the fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m. This display will delight visitors and help usher in the New Year. On the Main Stage enjoy live entertainment/bands, karaoke and the Family Friendly Dance Party.

It's hard to match the setting of Flagler College's Scholarship Ball on New Year's Eve. Set in a National Historic Landmark -- the former Ponce de Leon Hotel's Dining Hall, ringed by Tiffany glass and towering murals -- it's a taste of the time when the historic building hosted names like Teddy Roosevelt, Will Rogers and John D. Rockefeller.

But the evening is about more than just the elegant setting; proceeds benefit the Flagler College Scholarship Fund. Last year's ball raised more than $14,000 for student scholarships.

Hosted by the President's Society of Flagler College, 30 percent of the cost is a tax-deductible donation that benefits the Flagler College Scholarship Fund.

The ball begins Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. and concludes at 1 a.m.

Patrons can dance the night away to the music provided by the Soul Operation Band and the Don Durkee Quartet.

This year's theme will be "Southern Gourmet." Guests will be able to enjoy delightful tastes of the South including a southern grits bar, a low country boil, a cheeseboard that highlights regional cheeses from Sweet Grass Dairy -- one of the country's premier artisan cheese producers -- and fried green tomatoes.

The ticket price also includes an open bar, heavy hor d' oeuvres including a bountiful seafood display, dinner and desert buffets and an early morning breakfast buffet. Guests are also treated to a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight.